Bolo Mousse de Limão

Bolo Mousse de Limão (Lemon Mousse Cake) Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon

For the Lemon Mousse:

• 1 can (395g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
• 3 tablespoons cold water

For the Lemon Syrup:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon

For the Topping:

• Lemon zest
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Beat them together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add in the milk, vegetable oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and continue mixing until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Making the Lemon Mousse

1. Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the powdered gelatin with cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. After blooming, microwave the gelatin for 15-20 seconds until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix the Mousse Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Whisk together until the mixture thickens slightly. Slowly pour in the dissolved gelatin, stirring continuously to combine.
3. Chill the Mousse: Place the mousse mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set slightly. It should have a creamy, mousse-like consistency but still be pourable.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Prepare the Lemon Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Layer the Cake: Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two equal layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and brush generously with half of the lemon syrup. Pour half of the lemon mousse over this layer, spreading it evenly.
3. Top Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and brush it with the remaining lemon syrup. Pour the rest of the lemon mousse over the top, allowing it to drip slightly over the sides for a rustic look.
4. Chill the Cake: Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is fully set.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Decorate: Once the cake is fully set, you can decorate it with additional lemon zest on top for a fresh, zesty finish. For an extra touch of indulgence, pipe whipped cream around the edges or as desired.
2. Serve: Carefully slice the cake with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between slices for neat servings. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Zest and Juice: Use fresh lemons for the zest and juice for a vibrant lemon flavor. The zest contains essential oils that enhance the taste significantly.
• Gelatin Blooming: Ensure the gelatin blooms properly before dissolving it. This step is crucial for a smooth mousse texture.
• Chilling Time: Give the cake adequate chilling time to set the mousse fully. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to speed up the process.

Storage

• Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more over time, enhancing the overall taste.

This Bolo Mousse de Limão is a delightful combination of soft, moist cake and light, creamy mousse with a refreshing lemony kick. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal!